Dinner was great as always—the laughing, the conversation, the playful banter, everything. It was no surprise that manners were forgotten at the dining table, hence the talking while eating, and now everyone was relaxed and chatting as they were all done eating."Dad, Aiden and Bryan are just… they just won't stop messing with me," Kira complained to Orion, gesturing to Aiden and Bryan, who were grinning at first but immediately kept their faces serious when she complained about them."What now?" Orion asked Kira after looking over at his twins. "What are they doing this time?""Nothing," Bryan answered before Kira could. "We are literally not doing anything to her except keeping her on her toes. She can't even stay still on those toes, you know. We are simply just having fun, father.""Exactly," Aiden said and nodded in agreement. "We are not doing anything to her.""Seriously?" Kira asked them, although she hid her smile and feigned annoyance, just so Orion could side with her."So
Aiden shook his head softly at his mother and sighed, "We were not pretending to be happy. We were genuinely happy." "Yeah," Bryan and Kira murmured, concurring with what Aiden had said. "That is what I don't understand," Elara said to them, the confused expression still etched on her face. "How can you be happy? This is very sad news. Extremely sad, and even I, myself, am still trying to wrap my head around the whole situation. So, how?" "Mum, I understand you completely," Kira said. "I also cried, then we cuddled and then at dinner everyone was together again. Even my emotions right now are inconsistent because I don't know if I should cry, be sad, be happy or think about it, as we have been given a specific time to be together and so cuddling with them, talking and laughing at dinner helped me realize that it was better to be happy and just forget about the sad stuff for the moment. Leaving you all is already sad for me; you have no idea. But staying… even if it is my last day
As instructed, they all remained seated and waited patiently for her. No one said anything, and surprisingly, the silence wasn't empty. It didn't have any tension; it was comfortable, but still had the feel of emotions that weren't spoken. Along with that, Kira sat still, maybe not too still as she kept tapping her feet on the ground and her fingers lightly on her knee while glancing around and often stealing glances at Bryan and Aiden, who would also look at her from time to time and wink, even though they were all seated on one couch.And then, footsteps.It was soft but firm, quick yet steady in approach.Elara walked back into the room holding books and pens. She moved quietly, her face not giving away anything as she walked toward them."Tear a sheet of paper and place it on your book when given to you," she said, giving all of them instructions as she stopped in front of Orion and gave him a book and a pen.Then, she turned and walked to where Bryan, Aiden, and Kira were seated
After about thirty minutes, Bryan, Aiden, and Kira began making their way down the stairs. They had changed into something more comfortable, as Elara had requested, and honestly, they felt they should have done that a long time ago, especially when they got back from Morane's home. But well, they changed now and as they descended the stairs, something caught their attention.Music.It was a gentle tune, not too loud, that came from the living room, carrying an almost nostalgic feel."Do you both hear that?" Bryan asked Aiden and Kira, his steps slowing a bit."Yeah…" Aiden answered wonderingly. "Who is playing that?""Well, I guess we will find out when we get into the living room, which we might have all figured out by now is where it's coming from," Kira, who was in the middle, said. "And, I think we have an idea of who it could be.""Right," Bryan and Aiden laughed softly. "I wonder what she's planning." Reaching the end of the stairs, they noticed the house was too quiet, except
The energy in the room remained amazing from the wild dancing and laughter, even as everyone caught their breath when the song had finally ended. And after some seconds, another song started. This new song was much slower, much softer, and it felt like it settled over them, calming their movements.It was easy for them to switch from wild dancing to slow dancing, and Orion and Elara were the first to take the lead.With a knowing smile, Orion extended his hand, and without any delay, Elara placed hers in his. He pulled her close, one hand resting on the small of her back, and soon they began to move together as one, enjoying and swaying to the sweet melody.Kira felt immersive joy as she watched how completely lost they were in each other, and how their love still remained even as they had grown older. It was a warm sight to watch.It was proof of a love that had endured time. "And sadly for me…" Kira started thinking but stopped herself from going further with that thought. "No matt
The past two days had been a bittersweet blur for Bryan, Aiden, and Kira. They spent every second they could together, doing everything together, while Ryker took over the pack, handling pack duties and allowing them the time they needed. They cherished every moment as if they were trying to memorize every laugh, every smile, and every touch.They would walk through the woods, talk for hours and tease each other. Bryan and Aiden would laugh at Kira's jokes, even though some were terrible. They cooked together, danced in the kitchen after dismissing all the maids, and in the living room they would simply stay there all night watching movies and enjoying each other's company.Yet, beneath all that happiness, there was a heavy sadness. They knew their time together was running out, but no one spoke of it. Each hug, each kiss, and every whispered "I love you" felt like a farewell.The second day came, and it slipped by faster than they expected. Now, as night fell, it came with what w
Leaving Morane's home some minutes after Kira had left the pack, Bryan and Aiden stepped into the mansion, their faces cold and holding no emotion. They walked in like they were robots controlled by a remote.Elara and Orion, who stood waiting in the hallway, spotted them as they walked in, and Elara's hands fidgeted nervously. She could already sense the pain within her sons and tried to reach out to them."Darling…" She called softly, her voice trembling as she reached for Bryan, but he walked past her without a word, like he couldn't see her."Aiden," Orion called out, his voice firm but filled with concern. But Aiden did the same, not answering and just walking."I don't know about this," Elara said to Orion as she watched her sons climb the stairs. "I really don't know.""They need time," Orion said, placing a comforting hand on Elara's shoulder, his expression showing how worried he was. "Everything will be fine."Reaching the top, Bryan walked straight to the bedroom, entered i
Kira, seated in the back seat, became exhausted from all the crying. She had put on her dark shades to cover her eyes, not wanting to draw any attention to herself when she boards her flight.She had cried the entire way, and now that they had gotten to the airport, she tried to calm herself, although her trembling lips slightly gave her away.Ryker, who had been driving, sighed heavily as he put the car in park, stopping at the drop-off area of the airport. He stepped out of the car silently, the night air welcoming him.Opening the trunk, he carefully pulled out Kira's bags. The bags were large, but she had packed a few things. Bryan and Aiden had insisted on setting up a bank account for her and filling it with more money than she would have ever expected, and even when she had resisted, not wanting to accept it, they wouldn't take no for an answer.Now, finances were not a problem for her. She would not have to worry about that for a long time.Standing by the car after placing t
Closing the door after the man she was expecting had come in, Kira turned to face him, an apologetic smile on her face for keeping him waiting."I apologize for keeping you out there for so long," she said, smiling softly as she also took in his look and realized that he also had those youthful features, yet still had the look of someone elderly, even the feeling."No, no, that's quite alright," the man shook his head, smiling back at her gently. "My name is Eldrin, and I am at your service," he said, his voice smooth and reassuring."I am glad," Kira muttered and then introduced herself. "My name is Kira, and it is an honor to have my clothes made by you.""That is very kind of you, Kira," Eldrin said, his expression softening and his smile growing wider as he was touched by her words. "So, shall we begin?""Of course," Kira nodded, and then found a position for them in the living room. "This is alright, right?""It is," Eldrin confirmed and set down his leather bag, unfastening its
Kira turned her head toward the bathroom door, wondering who could be knocking."Who could that be?" She thought and sniffed, quickly wiping her eyes with wet hands. "I am not expecting anyon- oh, the tailor."Then the knock came again, more insistent this time."I'm coming!" she called out, her voice slightly hoarse from the emotions she had just been lost in. "I didn't think he would be here so fast," Kira muttered to herself. "Or is it…me?""How long have I been in here?" She asked herself as she realized the water was already cold.Hurriedly, she reached for the soap and washed herself."Just a minute, please!" she added, splashing water over her face and rinsing her body, before standing up. "I'll be right there."With rushed movements, Kira stepped out of the tub, grabbed a towel, dried her body, and wrapped it around herself.She had gotten her hair wet but didn't mind it as she padded to the bedroom, and started getting dressed. The undergarment was not too fitted. It was in
Kira, shocked, stood frozen, her eyes locked on Lythari in disbelief. She watched as Lythari raised the key of the house in the air, holding it out to her, and that was when she realized it wasn't a joke… "But was it?" Kira asked herself inwardly, as she couldn't quite process it."Belongs to me?" She asked Lythari, feeling confused, or like she was missing something. "I don't understand," she muttered and glanced at the key, then back at Lythari. "I thought this was probably your house or a new house you wanted to move into, and you needed someone to tell you if it was good enough. I—""You thought wrong," Lythari interrupted her, and let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head. "You are an interesting one. This house belongs to you now, Kira. It is your new home.""But—" Kira muttered, still struggling to believe it. The truth was, she had actually fallen in love with the house, and now it's actually hers?"Take the key, Kira," Lythari said, holding out the key, her eyebrow raised a
After Queen Elyria had officially welcomed Kira, Kira bowed respectfully and thanked her."You are both dismissed," Queen Elyria said afterward, and on hearing that, Kira and Lythari exited the throne room and left the castle.Now as they stood outside the castle, Kira took a deep breath and looked around once again as she was beginning to feel more at ease."Kira?" She heard Lythari call, bringing her out of her quiet moment with her thoughts."Yes?" She answered."There is a place I would like to show you," Lythari said and then turned to her, her expression unreadable yet inviting. "I want to know what you think of this place.""Okay," Kira agreed with no hesitation. "Sure."Glad about Kira's response, Lythari started walking ahead, and Kira followed right behind her, her eyes wandering over the landscape as she followed Lythari.The next path they took was surrounded by tall trees, and the deeper they walked, the more beautiful trees Kira saw. And as they walked some more, she saw
As soon as the guards opened the immense double doors, Kira and Lythari stepped inside and afterward, the doors closed behind them with a slow, resonant boom.Instinctively, Kira turned to glance back, exhaling softly before she then turned forward again, following Lythari deeper into the castle.The inside of the castle was just as breathtaking as its exterior. The halls were stretched high and vast, with towering golden arches that curved so beautifully and elegantly towards the ceiling. It was expected for the inside to be just as magical as everywhere she had seen, especially with the soft golden light that now filtered in through a massive stained-glass window, casting patterns onto the polished marble floors.The interior design was magnificent. It wasn't too much or too little; it was just the right amount of perfect. As they walked, Kira could not help but admire the beauty around her. Every step they took showed her how grand and ancient the place was, but despite this awe
Kira blinked, her eyes still on the woman before her as the word echoed in her mind. Elves.It wasn't shock she felt or surprise; it was something else entirely. Something like a sense of awe, as if she was now inside one of those many stories she had heard as a child. It was a reality she had never thought would exist, and she had never thought she would ever witness."Elves?" Kira repeated, her eyes running over the woman's features, as if she had not gotten enough of that earlier."Yes, Elves," Lythari answered with a small, knowing smile and then lifted her hand to tuck a strand of her long silver hair behind her ear. It was at that moment that Kira saw them—the pointed ears, sharp and elegant. They were longer than human ears and curved gracefully, just like how she had seen in storybooks. It was…"Wow," Kira muttered, her lips parting slightly before she cleared her throat and pulled herself back. "I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised that elves exist, considering that my ki
Kira had been running for a while, her breaths steady but deep, until she found a quiet clearing deep in the woods and decided to settle there for the time being.All of a sudden, she started feeling hungry, and when she spotted a small animal, instinct took over and well… a fire was made, and the result was a roasted meat.It wasn't perfect, but it was quite edible.Now, Kira was seated on a log she had found in the woods while tearing into the roasted meat. The juices dripped onto her fingers, but she had that under control and wiped her fingers on her pants before sighing and staring into the flames, thinking about her life."I am a mess," she thought, feeling like she was the most complicated, confused and disheveled person in the world.After she was done with her little feast, she reached for the small black bag she had kept beside her and opened it.She was expecting a letter or something handwritten, but instead she found a small glass vial, and it did not look ordinary at all
Far from where Kira was running, a name was whispered in New Orleans —a tentative whisper filled with sadness. "Bryan…?" Elara called out while standing in front of his bedroom door, her hands clasped together."Bryan?" She whispered again, but no answer. It was just the second day since the bond had been severed, but it felt like a lifetime, and no one had heard a word from him or Aiden since their cries had died down. She had even sent all the workers away when they had broken down, not wanting any other person to witness it, but now that the crying had stopped, the workers had returned.Sighing, Elara's heart clenched painfully, and she exhaled shakily, turning away to pace down the hall until eventually she ended up in front of the study, where Aiden was.Raising her hands, she knocked and called out. "Aiden, honey, are you in there?" But no response. "Are you both not hungry?" She asked gently, her hands on the door as if she could feel him. "I cooked. Very delicious, I tell
Kira didn't move after Baba Razz disappeared. She simply remained there, kneeling on the ground as her legs grew numb beneath her. Her hands were now rested on her lap, stained with Baba Razz's blood, her mind scattered and overloaded. Flashes of everything that had just happened kept replaying in her mind, and for that moment, she knew she needed to stay put, at least just for a little while before she would get up.There was too much to do, too much to understand, and too much to process. She felt that if she tried to figure everything all at once, she might be a danger to her own mind.She lowered her head, staring at her blood stained hands and where Baba Razz had been. He was gone now, completely gone, and she was all alone again.Kira sat there for what felt like an eternity, that even blinking her eyes seemed to have stopped. It was like her brain was trying to arrange everything into their given folders, process it all and then bring out to her what she had to do next, even